What to Expect When Beginning the Buteyko Technique?

Question: What to Expect When Beginning the Buteyko Technique?

Answer:

Before beginning any new treatment such as the Buteyko technique, it is important to understand what to expect both in terms of potential benefits and side effects. According to Asthma Care Ireland's website, a comprehensive asthma treatment program, including the Buteyko technique, can decrease the following asthma symptoms by as much as 50% within 2 weeks:

• Wheezing
• Chest tightness
• Shortness of breath
• Chronic cough

Known Risks?

As with other medical treatments and medications, there are some potential side effects. Certain people should not preform the Buteyko technique. Also, the Buteyko technique has not been rigorously studied in traditional medical settings. Proponents report some people preforming the Buteyko technique may experience additional benefits, such as increased energy, as well as additional symptoms, such as increased fatigue or headaches. However, these risks and benefits have not been independently verified.

_Sources:

_{McKeown, P. Close Your Mouth: Buteyko Clinic Handbook For Perfect Health. Buteyko Books: Unit Six, Calbro House, Tuam Road, Galway, Ireland, 2004.}